Alexis Sanchez Reveals The Exact Moment When Lionel Messi Cried In The Dressing Room

Alexis Sanchez has spoken about the sacrifices a professional footballer makes to become the very best, as well as the emotions that comes with the job.

In a brilliant interview with Sky Sports, the Manchester United winger touched on a number of subjects, including the moment he witnessed Lionel Messi cry after one particular Champions League game.

Image: PA

The game Sanchez was referring to in his interview was Barcelona's memorable defeat to Chelsea in the 2012 Champions League semi-final, when the Premier League side earned a 2-2 draw at the Camp Nou.

It was a game that will forever be remembered for Gary Neville screaming as Fernando Torres knocked it past Victor Valdes, but Sanchez revealed that it was particularly heartbreaking for five-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi.

"I think football saves many people. It can give you a life of luxury, but people don't see all the effort that goes in behind the scenes. That might mean not seeing your family, or missing your mother's birthday, many players are so focused that they miss the birth of their children." he told Sky Sports.

"You might cry during a game if you lose a final. That's all part of football. In the Barcelona dressing room after the Chelsea game, I saw Leo cry. That's because players demand so much from themselves. People don't see that."

Sanchez goes on to explain how you can't please everyone when it comes to your actions, but he enjoys himself and just tries to be happy.

"Sometimes people say things such as, 'He's got too big for his boots' or say, 'He's changed'. You buy a flash car and people say that you're a show-off." he told Sky Sports.

"I've learnt so much over time and with the experience that I've gained. You can't please everyone. There'll always be one or two who get angry. I've learnt so much from playing football: I love football and that's what I do. I enjoy myself and I'm just trying to be happy."

The fact that Lionel Messi cried after that semi-final defeat to Chelsea shows his incredible drive to be the very best. There's a reason why he is considered one of the greatest of all time. Messi's attitude is just as impressive as his talent.

What a player. What a man.

Topics: Football News, Chelsea, Football, Manchester United, Barcelona, Lionel Messi, Alexis Sanchez, Champions League

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare is a writer at SPORTbible. He's interviewed some of the biggest names in sport, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pele, Carles Puyol and Tim Henman. He dabbles in all things sport but football is his biggest passion. He was once hit in the head by a wayward strike from Nicky Butt and lived to tell the tale.

@jackkenmare_